Operator control element with magnetic return

Abstract

An operator control element with magnetic return for a number of switching and/or control functions: includes an abutment part; an actuating part which can be moved, for example displaced and/or pivoted, by hand from an inoperative position in at least two opposite directions with respect to the abutment part; magnetic return means for returning the actuating part into the inoperative position; and detection means for producing an electrical signal corresponding in each case at least to the maximum positions and the inoperative position of the actuating part. The magnetic return means include at least one actuating part-side ring magnets and one abutment part-side ring magnet arranged in the inoperative position such that the end faces thereof face one another and are spaced apart. They are arranged so as to pull the actuating part towards the abutment part and that they are concentric.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. Operating element for several switching and/or regulating functions comprising:
 an abutment part; 
 an actuating part that can be manually moved from a rest position into at least two opposite directions relative to the abutment part; magnetic returning means for causing the return of the actuating part into the rest position; 
 wherein the magnetic returning means includes at least a first, actuating part-side annular magnet and a second, abutment part-side annular magnet, which in the rest position are disposed in such a way that their end faces face one another and are spaced from one another, that they are configured so as to pull the actuating part against the abutment part, and that they are concentrical, 
 wherein at least the end faces of the first and second annular magnets that face one another are congruent, 
 wherein a displacement distance of the actuating part-side annular magnet in the respective direction of movement during a displacement or a pivoting of the actuating part from the rest position into the maximum position corresponds to at least the wall thickness of the abutment part-side annular magnet. 
 
     
     
       2. Operating element according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the actuating part is disposed rotatably about an axis of rotation and the first and second annular magnets are disposed concentrically with the axis of rotation. 
 
     
     
       3. Operating element according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the first and second annular magnets are respectively polarized perpendicularly to the direction of movement. 
 
     
     
       4. Operating element according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least two opposite directions of movement define a line or a curve. 
     
     
       5. Operating element according to  claim 1 , wherein the actuating part is freely pivotable or freely displaceable relative to the abutment part. 
     
     
       6. Operating element according to  claim 1 , wherein the abutment part includes one or more sliding or rolling elements for bearing the actuating part. 
     
     
       7. Use of the operating element according to  claim 1  in a motor vehicle. 
     
     
       8. Operating element according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least two opposite directions of movement define a circle segment. 
     
     
       9. Operating element for several switching and/or regulating functions comprising: an abutment part;
 an actuating part that can be manually moved from a rest position into at least two opposite directions relative to the abutment part; magnetic returning means for causing the return of the actuating part into the rest position; 
 wherein the magnetic returning means includes at least a first, actuating part-side annular magnet and a second, abutment part-side annular magnet, which in the rest position are disposed in such a way that their end faces face one another and are spaced from one another, that they are configured so as to pull the actuating part against the abutment part, and that they are concentrical, 
 wherein at least the end faces of the first and second annular magnets that face one another are congruent and projected perpendicularly, 
 wherein a displacement distance of the actuating part-side annular magnet in the respective direction of movement during a displacement or a pivoting of the actuating part from the rest position into the maximum position corresponds to at least the wall thickness of the abutment part-side annular magnet such that a crescent-shaped surface is formed.